The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics -ICTP, Trieste, Italy, IT

Sandro M Radicella

The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics -ICTP, Trieste, Italy, IT

Abstract

We present an overview of the VL approach to promote research and education in developing countries and to help reduce the technology gap of the digital divide. We discuss software tools for instrument control, data sharing and e-collaboration and communications with special attention to low-bandwidth networks. We analyse the tentative costs involved in VL and the skills needed for VL administration. We conclude by identifying some VL strategies for development.